The local Indian community is hoping to shine a bright and colourful spotlight on the importance of inclusiveness and diversity through two upcoming events.
On Sunday, March 12, the Barrie Indian Association will host its sixth annual Barrie’s Holi Fest, which is described as a “vibrant festival of colours" that incorporates both social and spiritual aspects, and celebrates the beginning of spring with an explosion of dry colours.
“It is a day of joy, forgiveness, friendliness, oneness and equanimity,” says a release from the association.
Highlights of this weekend’s celebration will be Flower Holi, mantra meditation, dancing, singing, book distribution, the serving of a free vegetarian meal called prasadam, as well as playing with dry colours toward the end of celebration.
The event will take place from noon to 2 p.m., at 364 St. Vincent St., in the city’s north end and is expected to be a "fun-filled, colourful afternoon" where the community can gather to celebrate with colours of all sorts and experience a diverse and inclusive cultural festival in the city of Barrie on Sunday, March 12. Tickets are availoable on Eventbrite at BarriesHoliFest.eventbrite.ca.
- An all-age family event for everyone
- 100 per cent outdoor celebration
- Unlimited colour play
- Dance, music and fun
- Food truck
- Dress code — white/colourful
- Professional photography
Those unable to attend this weekend’s festival will have a second chance to celebrate on March 25, when Iskcon Barrie hosts its second annual Holi Festival.
Last year’s inaugural event, said team leader Naina Sharma, was a big success, and they are hoping to build on that to make this year's event even better.
“There were so many new families that we were not aware of in the community that joined us, and it went wonderfully,” she said, adding Holi is a festival all about inclusiveness and bringing together the diverse community that call Barrie home.
“It’s just about bringing people together and going outside of the barrier of skin types. When we (do) colours, we do not remain as a white body or a brown body or a black body. Holi has a wonderful message about just forgetting about the grudges and being friends. That’s the real message behind Holi.”
Everyone, no matter their spiritual or religious beliefs, is welcome to attend, said Sharma, adding this year’s festival will be held at Northwest Barrie United Church, located at 464 Ferndale Dr. N., from 1-4 p.m.
“There’s been the wrong message that our festivals are around Bollywood musicals and that’s not so. We use authentic instruments, we chant … so there’s (also) a learning piece (rather) than just a social piece. Everybody is welcome. Inclusion is for everybody," Sharma said.
